Christmas Colds are the Worst!

“Merry Christmas!” the young CVS clerk said cheerfully as she handed me my purchase. I smiled as I took the bag, wished her a Merry Christmas, and went on my way. “You take care now, she called, the cold and flu season is here you know.” I nodded, keep walking and never gave what she said any thought, until much later that is.

That evening I was kicked back watching TV when the tickling in my throat began. I tried not to think about it but before long that little tickle morphed into an irritating scratch and I knew I was in trouble. The next morning I woke up feeling like hell, my throat was raw, I was congested and my head ached, I was well on my way to a full blown cold and all the crappy baggage that accompanies it. Great I thought, just in time for Christmas. Funny but it was in that moment of clarity that I recalled that cheerful, young clerk from the previous day and her prophetic words of caution “take care, the cold and flu season is here you know.” Now I do.

And we all know how bad colds can be. They are the worst especially around Christmas. Tis the season to be jolly but how can anyone be jolly when you’re feeling tired and run down, have a stuffed up head, sore throat, runny nose, and a cough. It’s damn near impossible. While everyone is merry and filled with the Christmas joy, cold sufferers feel grumpy and miserable. No way can they get into the Christmas spirit nor do they want to. They’d rather be in bed away from all the Christmas fuss.

Being retired I was able to take full advantage of the sagely advice about getting plenty of rest.” I did exactly that. I slept in for four straight mornings and spent the days and evenings vegging out in front of the tube. I was a real couch potato. But as you know being stuck in front of the TV for hours on end can be a real drag. One day, maybe even two, is doable but beyond that is an exercise in frustration. Even with 200 plus channels to choose from there wasn’t much I really cared to watch. Daytime TV sucks! There nothing good on anymore, maybe there never really was. Yeah it’s pretty sad when the commercials are more entertaining than the programs. I tried reading my new Stephen King novel several times but after awhile my eyes would begin to ache, same with surfing the net. I even thought about writing but that involved far too much thinking so I was stuck with sleeping or watching the tube. I of course did both. I couldn’t help it, most of that daytime programming is enough to put anyone to sleep.

Thankfully the four days of rest, though boring at times, was much needed and appears to have paid off. By Wednesday afternoon I was feeling much better and was able to resume somewhat of a normal life once again. Of course my cold isn’t gone completely and will more than likely be with me for awhile longer, but the worst seems to be behind me now. I still have a runny nose but I’m congestion free and no longer coughing which should make handling the holidays with a smile instead of a bah humbug a whole lot easier. Ho ho ho! Stay healthy!